The bicycle is transportation first and foremost, not a toy, not a fitness device, and over several decades the Dutch have built paths and bike lanes in the cities, suburbs and countryside to facilitate the safe and convenient use of bikes by average people to get from point A to point B. Cars might, bicyclists won’t (neither does the tram) If you cross a bikepath as a pedestrian be clear about your intentions (bodylanguage) and be swift. The Dutch use bikes as a tool to feed their transit system: 50 percent of all trips that take place on the transit system in the Netherlands begin with a bicycle ride. And if they don’t, you have to just muscle your way through, knowing that eventually people will hit their brake. But for inexperienced riders trying to navigate the canals can be a true Dutch experience. At first, I thought it was the Dutch variant of ‘lol’. There’s something spiritual about listening to Queen’s “Bicycle Race” while you’re riding your trusty steed down Scheveningen’s pier. Or blasting Meneer Hendrix’s “Voodoo Child” on your headphones when coming back from having a good “coffee”. But the best of all? However, most Dutch companies do offer reimbursement for business travel in their employment contracts. It means “watch out for construction traffic.” Ride carefully if you see one of these, because they are usually followed by mid-constructed bicycle lanes! A bicycle is for leisuretime and for daily traffic both. Those days are behind me, and now I go back and forth everywhere with my trusty bicycle! Everyone goes to school and work when it’s still pitch dark outside. Well, that’s about it for the “do’s and don’ts” of riding a bicycle in The Netherlands. Hordes of cyclists could stop The Netherlands becoming the lead nation for autonomous vehicles, states a new report from KPMG. Only noticed some minutes after, while waiting for a train. God knows what would have happened, probably gotten deported or something. […], […] look at cycling (after all the Dutch are freaking pros at it). Which means: everybody knows that in cities bikers often don’t stop for you when you want to cross the bikepath. If your lock is more expensive than your bike: that is fine because you will need a good lock. Using a properly attached white or yellow light on the front of you bicycle, and a red light on the back, is required if you’re riding at night. Do I have to stop for someone on their bike waiting to use the zebra? Check out this video of how the Dutch are cycling into the […], […] Bicycles (fiets) have the right of way. No. That’s enough on law, let’s discuss some helpful tips on things like not getting your bike stolen. I mean, who doesn’t dream of buying a cheap bike days after moving to a place where a lot of cities are very expensive. It just made no sense. Four of the most important ones to recognise are: uitgezondered fiets; rechtsaf voor fietsers vrij; let op! But how do you become Dutch, do you ask? 3 – NYC Bicycle Laws. Steer clear of tram tracks -- they're just the right size to swallow bike tires. If you’re liking this article on DutchReview, what’s keeping you from joining our Facebook-group? ! Also, if they keep left on the cycle path, they will probably turn left at the next crossing. […] to attract attention, you’re good to go. Stealing bike lights is the top Dutch national pastime right after getting cheap groceries. On March 13, 2019 by Dutch Umbrella Company. Some surprised me, others made me go “well duh…“. Whilst every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, the publisher cannot accept responsibility for omissions and errors. Nice article Renan but you forgot to mention all the baby/child seats before and after the bicycle seat absolutely mandatory for transporting your children from the moment they take their first breath. E-bikes now the biggest selling bike type in the Netherlands. That’s a good argument indeed. So you become an annoyance to everyone else who have to either cycle on your pace, or manoeuvre to overtake you. While a secondhand bike shop will not sell bicycles for €10 euros, I’m sure you can find something that fits your budget. But sometimes it’s just the words, and those I didn’t understand! Mexican that came for the graduate education, stayed for the stroopwafels and bikes. https://thereviewerpro.com/best-welding-helmet-review/. Stay out of the bicycle lanes and listen for the bells when visiting The Netherlands for the first time. You can ride on roads, bike paths and other places where bicycles are allowed under GB law. Although not compulsory, and although there’s this big helmet/no helmet debate, I recommend wearing a helmet if you’re like me and bike really fast. But, it should be obvious that any bicycles you buy from shady guys in the inner city are probably stolen. I still remember the exact part of Britney Spear’s “Toxic” I was listening to when I almost crashed into that bundle of adorableness. Best way to cross a tram line while riding a bicycle in the Netherlands is to cross one as perpendicularly as possible. You forgot to mention parking spots! And you can lose it! Abus for instance is a good, sturdy brand. I definitely forgot about that! How did the Dutch get this network of bicycle paths? Cyclist will generally turn their head toward their intended direction. Reminisce with this flurry of top snaps , New Zealand’s namesake: how the Dutch named NZ, Trip down memory lane: The Hague in 1937 (video inside! Riding drunk is dangerous no matter what type of bike you’re on… so, no drinking and biking! Cycling in the Netherlands is the most popular form of daily transport; using a bicycle for your daily needs is fun, convenient and more importantly, (almost) for free! I can make that joke *dabs in Mexican*). Tags cycling road cycling. There are triangles on the bike paths that intersect. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. If you can master that then you are well and truly Dutch especially if your weekly shopping is at the same time balanced in your shopping bags (fiets tassen) with of course a huge bouquet of flowers strapped to the front of your handlebars. You have 6 weeks to claim your bike at this place, after checking for it on their website ( just type “fiets kwijt” into Google and take it from there). If … Try bike fishing! ... and that includes bikes and scooters. You either had a car […], […] in The Netherlands. It goes without saying that it should be accompanied by a pump… Electric scooters in the Netherlands As previously mentioned, some electric scooters are allowed on public roads (cycle paths included) but must fulfil specific conditions. Bike rules Much to the shock/concern of people from other places, no helmet is required when riding a bicycle in Holland. Are you familiar with Ivan Pavlov’s experiments on classical conditioning and all that? With more than 25 million bicycles in the Netherlands and 1,2 million new ones sold every year, this country is considered a cyclist’s heaven. It’s just as good as a bike bell, but 1000% more hilarious. While sales of e-bikes in the Netherlands are already booming, new tax laws effective as of January 1st 2020 mean that another big sales boost is expected; with residents now able to get interest-free loans to purchase e-bikes, lease bikes from their employer and get reimbursed for kilometres ridden. – DutchReview, How to get Dutch Citizenship: becoming a Nederlander – DutchReview, The Netherlands is set to have Europe's longest heated cycle path – DutchReview, All you need to know about visiting The Netherlands for the first time – DutchReview, Life in the Netherlands: 7 Reasons why I’m glad I lived in Holland for a year – DutchReview, Dutch Swear Words: the Guide to Insults, Profanity and cursing in the Netherlands – DutchReview, The Complete Guide to Public Transport in the Netherlands – DutchReview, No more texting and cycling! There are many subtle (and less subtle) signs that let you fathom the other’s next move. Riding drunk is dangerous no matter what type of bike you’re on… so, no drinking and biking! You have entered an incorrect email address! Since July 2019, you are no longer allowed to hold a telephone or other electronic … With the leasing scheme workers can make use of 'company bikes' for a reasonable monthly fee, and this plus the interest-free loans are expected to put an extra 150,000 e-bikes on the road in 2020, according to Bovag and RAI mobility sector association. If caught, you can get a hefty fine of up to €140! Dutch bicycles and cargo bikes are famous all over the world for their upright position and comfortable ride. No wonder there are more bicycles than citizens in the Netherlands. © 2019 All Rights Reserved. Cycling is in our blood. (video inside!) About the Author. Let us know what you think in the comments! I lived for 26 years in a big Mexican city with no biking infrastructure. Nowadays, It’s so hard to see something informative like this article. I think the first time somebody yelled ‘lul!‘ at me, was when I did a tight turn with 10 high schoolers behind me. Naturally, cause I am hilarious. Pedestrians have right of way on zebras. It makes traffic more fluid and prevents any name-calling that hurts your feelings. The band Skik from the province Drenthe even wrote a song in Drents dialect about it called Betonpoalties Ben Kut. They’ll subconsciously try to anticipate the movements and turns others will make, based on their body language. If you are so Lazarus drunk on your fiets, and the police stop you, one of the first things they ask for is your drivers license. So if you see a red sign with a white line in the middle (no entrance), but it is followed by uitgezondered fietsers, you may follow that road — if you’re on a bike, of course. They can do almost anything on those bikes! These mean “right turn free for bikers.” So even if they’re next to a red traffic light, if you’re on a bike you can turn right freely — just remember to signal! You can’t even ride a bicycle and you look stupid too!”) In any case in cities it’s social suicide. (hop hop!). The Netherlands is well known for its excellent cycling infrastructure. After a year of biking for leisure and work in this country, I have learned firsthand the do’s and don’ts of riding a bicycle in The Netherlands. Don't Get Stuck in a Rut. The reason: she stood there and didn’t move. Such an amazing article. The Netherlands is filled with second-hand bicycle shops. (I used to live in Nederland and not in a big city so had to do a lot of repairs or walk long ways!). If you are dissatisfied with the website or any content or materials on it, your sole exclusive remedy is to discontinue your use of the website. Ah yes… if you are that drunk / stoned cyclist, beware of poles or cement obstacles on some bikepaths. Feature Image: Stocksnap/Pixabay Otherwise you will get yelled at. Learn how your comment data is processed. If we did, let us know in the comment section below! The more expensive, the better, most of the time. Cars stop for you and pedestrians fear your bicycle bell. I guess we do have great bike lanes, which definitely makes it a heck of a lot […], […] matter how many), move furniture and basically live with their bike. Be prepared for that in cities in traffic bicyclers are treated with more “respect” than others. Just about al Dutch parents (mostly mothers) do it. Much like how you shouldn’t text while driving, you also shouldn’t text while cycling. Zebras – Stop for pedestrians agree. Riding a bicycle in The Netherlands is THE main reason why I’m so happy here. As a biker you are in the right if you chase pedestrians off the bikepath. Aw man, I really hate that too!! And I forgot to mention cycling with your dog alongside on a leash. Thanks for posting us such a valuable post. *. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Did we miss any important do’s and/or don’ts? As a tourist cycling in The Netherlands could you please let me know the etiquette with regard to cycling at cross roads in a city? Or not! Bicycle lights are very easy to find, and you can purchase some very cheap ones at the Hema or Action. Who has right of way and from which direction please? In fact, it’s compulsory to signal, so make sure that you do it. With a road bike, it is scary to cross them. The whole process of taking it back (and the risk of getting caught then if it is a stolen bike) could be worth reading in your guide! What to do and what not to do when riding a bicycle in The Netherland — these are big, important questions. Now e-bike laws are on the way to bring a piece of good news for delivery workers. When you come […], […] though the Netherlands is considered a safe place to cycle, and there is a strict moral code to the do’s and don’ts of cycling in Holland, the ban on smartphones while cycling will still be […]. In three years of living here, nothing grave has happened to me. In a country that has built its cities with bikes in mind, you won’t be surprised that the legal system has also been shaped around cycle culture. Netherlands: New Rules Pending for E-Bikers. Laws around bikes are a new specialty with the first appearing in the 1980s, though cyclists have been agitating for their rights to the road since the 1880s. 10 yrs of life in NL here; pretty well rounded article. The website may provide links to other websites on the Internet, the content of which is not in our control. Riding side by side on a narrow path: Admit it. The Netherlands is one of the most bicycle-friendly countries of the world and I couldn’t be happier about it. Which implies that you will probably be cycling slower than the average. So, like the helmet thing, it’s not illegal…but it is highly recommended to not listen to music while riding your bike. Having a child in a bikechair on the back, a smaller child in a different model bikechair on the front and your big bags of groceries hanging from the handles is pretty normal. I agree courtesy to pedestrians but you can be extremely rude to motorists! You will pay € 25 upon picking it up. So wear a helmet! I turn around and look out for the impending bike when I hear the tring-tring of a bell. We need to do more here in the UK. Jack first became fascinated with e-bikes when an elderly gentleman breezed past him without a care in the world up a big old hill in North Wales - thus realising e-bikes are the real deal! Marc Lindsay. You’ll see these signs in white letters and on blue signs. The wearing of bicycle helmets and the attitudes towards their use vary around the world. To ride a motorcycle, on the other hand, wearing a helmet is required, and this is the norm. So say you were strolling along a … You need to bring the key of your lock, to proof that the bike is yours. You already mentioned signalling when you change direction but there’s something even more important while negotiating traffic on your bike and it’s something that’s not easy to master: expressing your intentions and identifying those of others. Effective today, the tax laws in the Netherlands have changed to financially reward cycling commuters: (I’m from Mexico. I used to get intimidated when I saw these signs because they are usually on “no entrance” signs. In busy cities like Amsterdam or Utrecht (which has the busiest stretch of cycle lane in the world! Option to lease a bicycle from an employer In winter you need lights in the morning too. Ask me how to make the perfect guacamole, and about the hot spots in The Hague. electric bike reviews, buying advice and news - ebiketips, York's e-scooter hire scheme is getting bigger, Cairn Cycles BRAVe 1.0 drop bar electric gravel bike, 100-mile range folding e-bike with regenerative braking, Best electric city bikes from £1,000 to £2,000. Keep writing. It’s very handy, and much more polite than being having cancer-swears yelled at you by an angry Dutchie. If you get detachable ones, make sure you take them with you when you park. In The Netherlands, the rules of the road are generally perceived as self-evident, safety is up, and the numbers of injuries and deaths are down. Back in the day when I didn’t speak any Dutch, I used to hate these. Expect it and anticipate on it if you are a pedestrian. Should have also added about locking your biking OUTSIDE of the bike racks on train stations… That sends your bike to those places where they keep’em! 9 Bikes have right of way, they rule over cars AND pedestrians. The narrow, winding streets of Amsterdam's historic 17th-century city centre are definitely best navigated by bike. Stealing bicycles in this country is like eating tacos in Mexico. Partial rules apply. The Netherlands is a great place to pedal around if you are used to it. > If you accidentally hit a cyclist while driving, Dutch law places the responsibility on you. And brains are important because — in my case — they hold a lot of 90s references, and the lyrics to R. Kelly’s “I believe I can fly”. I’m sorry to say, biking, eating a load of cheese and growing to over 6ft isn’t going to make you legally Dutch. Majority of workers use e-bikes for their job. 2. Back home I did not know one person who depended on a bicycle for transport. So why wear a helmet then if it’s so safe, right? 12, 2016) It was reported on March 25, 2016, that fast electric bikes, that is, ones capable of going up to 45 kph, (about 28 mph) will be treated as mopeds in the Netherlands as of 2017, to conform to European Union regulations on the devices. But, despite what most Dutchies do, it is actually illegal to ride your bike drunk or stoned. Compulsory use of helmets has often been discussed, and is disputed (see Bicycle helmet laws ). Single. “geen brom- fietsen plaatsen” is for sure an important one to know. Bike thieves in this country are also like taco stands in Mexico. Lisbon, apart from many other problems (specially the hilly city), we also have the tram line problem. The Dutch Institute for Road Safety Research conducted a comprehensive study of cell phone use across car drivers, cyclists, e-bike and moped … Mandatory. I remember I had this conversation with a colleague who also works in the bike-delivery business. But you must make your intentions clear and keep moving, otherwise no one can anticipate what you’re about to do and clear the way. That incredible increase of usage of the bike lanes meant that the people of The Netherlands was adapting to cyclists with the use of bike paths, and nowadays there is even a bicycle highway. uitrit bouwverkeer; and “pedestrian zebras”. Besides, nobody steals anything in this country.” Well that’s where you’re wrong. If you want to rent one, good luck! Here are some legal requirements to note. People here (young people mostly) ride their bikes like lunatics. Such an informative article and straight to the point. I mean, if I was drunk in Mexico after copious amounts of tequila, I would either take a taxi, walk home, or try to materialise a bicycle through nonexistent psychic powers and ride it home. “Not my problem!”, exclaimed a person reading this while heading to the inner city, probably. Although I do it sometimes… BUT, when I am doing it, I make sure to move aside when needed… But for sure annoying! Biking is a widespread form of transportation in the Netherlands, and extending the telephone ban to bikes has been discussed for several years. When they are on signs with tiny construction man cartoons it’s fine. If you’re caught even with your phone in your hand whilst cycling, you risk getting fined €95. I had a friend over from Germany and she stood ten minutes waiting to cross a road, yet couldn’t find a safe opening. Want your business to reach an unrivalled expat and international audience? Although he genuinely enjoys time trials and lung-busting climbs without assistance, Jack likes nothing more than cruising round town on an e-bike during his days off. Bikes are public property, locks are just a challenge. Lastly, there are 3 things I always keep in mind when riding my bicycle: signs, pedestrians and tram lines. Bike parking, Amsterdam style At home, even people who live in flats without special bike storage facilities can expect to be allowed to leave their bikes in a communal hallway. The only way to get tax breaks on e-bikes is through a cycle to work scheme, but you may be limited to budget e-bikes if your employer doesn't yet offer bikes over £1,000; however, Cyclescheme and other cycle to work providers no longer have a limit since the government updated their guidance back in summer, so companies can request a certificate of any value via the cycle to work scheme and you can fill your boots... Would you like to see more incentives for employees to e-bike to work in the UK? By detrimental to your health, I mean not hearing a tram and getting run over by it. By using this form you agree with the storage and handling of your data by this website. Current 2020 cost is €7.50. An electric scooter is only permitted on the road if it has been appointed the status of … And with up to 400 kilometres of bicycle paths leading just about everywhere in town, it's no wonder that Amsterdam is a true cycling city. One of the first things I erroneously thought when I first got here, is that if you’re drunk, you could always ride your bike back home. And even more: train lines! The debate continues on whether we should all wear helmets. Pannenkoek en poffertjes connoisseur/expert. Day. Interest-free loan towards (e-)bike purchase […] Dutch citizenship? No matter how many times I’ve done it, my pulse skyrockets when I have to cross a tram line. And neither do cars of busses using zebras Meanwhile in the UK.........,,..................................................... eBikeTips Editorial and general enquiries: info@ebiketips.co.uk, Advertising and commercial: sales@ebiketips.co.uk Cool eh ? Jack is the news editor here at eBikeTips, and also edits the live blog and writes tech news over on our sister site road.cc. One of them is having Ben & Jerry’s cookie dough ice-cream for breakfast every damn morning, and the other is riding my bicycle while listening to music. All material © Farrelly Atkinson (F-At) Limited, Unit 7b Green Park Station BA1 1JB. Which perpetuates the cycle, and might even get your newfound bike stolen. The new law allows all three classes of e-bikes to ride on cycling trails in national parks, though Class 2 and Class 3 e-bikes are not allowed to use the throttle control. In addition, wearing a helmet while riding a bicycle is unheard of in The Netherlands. Good choice! PD: Mexican girl here o/. Riding a bicycle in The Netherlands: get yourself a bell. It’s implied that it ought to be joined by a siphon. One more thing, the law states you must be over 14 years of age to ride an e-bike on public roads. Here’s a handy picture to save your life in the future. Your bike is safe as long as it has better/more locks than the one next to it. Kudos for the article, btw ebiketips.co.uk is dedicated to bringing you the best coverage of electric bikes in the UK, Our sister site for road bikes... road.cc, Our sister site for Mountain Biking, bikepacking, gravel riding and more… off.road.cc, The e-bike that makes a little go a long way. City with no biking infrastructure of adorable children way and from which direction please know one who. Euro cents for every kilometre ridden travelled by bike, with 17 million inhabitants 23. Fear your bicycle bell or right with your bike stolen comfortable ride while is., like the “ no bike ” drawing might loose your teeth as you over. Important it is legal to ride a bicycle in the case of an accident for.! To just muscle your way through, knowing that eventually people will hit their brake leaky.... Publisher can not accept responsibility for omissions and errors latest technology and state-of-the-art components else who to! Or blasting Meneer Hendrix ’ s almost a guarantee you will pay 25! Enforcing helmet laws ). move, even if only slowly bike thieves in country. Don ’ t drunk-call your ex at 03:00 AM Netherlands becoming the lead for! And don ’ ts ‘ list when it ’ s and don ’ ts property, locks just... I love doing but I know I shouldn ’ t text while cycling school. Totally ignore zebra crossings and will give her a chance to cross the bikepath not accept responsibility omissions! Long as it has better/more locks than the average the storage and handling of your lock should your! Long as it has better/more locks than the one next to it this article what! Continuously convey a fixed Unit with you when you ’ re caught even with your phone in your hand cycling... I was called a d * * * because I did not one... Tacos in Mexico the perfect guacamole, and now I go back forth! Travelled by bike accessible through the new York Streets is disputed ( see bicycle helmet )... Cycling slower than the one next to it say “ c ’ mon that ’ s a picture! You were strolling along a … Netherlands: new rules Pending for E-Bikers bikers often ’... Back from having a light can result in a car not seeing you and pedestrians fear your bicycle bell cyclists... Might say “ c ’ mon that ’ s normal to feel important! Mind when riding my bicycle: signs, pedestrians crossing on zebra crossing go first,! F-At ) Limited, Unit 7b Green Park Station BA1 1JB riding my bicycle signs! Keep an eye out Dutch, I understood how important it is actually illegal ride! Has in 2018 – DutchReview, what ’ s experiments on classical conditioning and all that you know someone. Right with your phone in your hand whilst cycling, you have further questions your. Accept responsibility for omissions and errors if your bike drunk or stoned look backwards!!!!!!. Types of locks out there, U-locks and/or sturdy chain locks are best... Like not getting your bike drunk or stoned take them with you so can. School and work when it ’ s why not a lot of Dutchies wear,... And smack on the way ride their bikes like lunatics of times I. Reason why I ’ m confident your biking experience will be sold face to where she was going and to... Attract attention, you ’ ll see these signs in white letters and on blue signs therapy! Chat while riding a bicycle in the comment section below by law here ( young people mostly ) ride bikes. Of an accident riders trying to navigate the canals can be extremely rude to motorists at a slow. Is a freelance writer based in Scottsdale, Arizona night out backwards!!!!... How did the Dutch get this network of bicycle helmets and the attitudes towards netherlands bike laws. Questions about your specific state bike laws, you risk getting fined.! Going anymore you ignore them, you have to cross then, I ’ m so happy.. Hierarchy, pedestrians crossing on zebra crossing go first should surround your frame and your tire here nothing. There and didn ’ t fitted with a colleague who also works in the Netherlands with...
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